Midland Over Moscow ACT
“The Midland Over Moscow Act will force the Biden Administration to develop an energy security strategy and fuel the world with American—not Russian—energy,” said Congressman August Pfluger. “It will halt the Nord Stream II pipeline and unleash American liquid natural gas exports to fill the needs of our allies. It is long past time for President Biden to put Midland over Moscow.”
Farm groups ask FTC for right to repair Deere equipment
The world’s largest farm equipment maker, Deere and Co., unlawfully forces farmers to pay a Deere dealer when their tractors or other equipment break down, said farm groups in a “right to repair” complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission on Thursday. The FTC said last year that it would ramp up its law enforcement against repair restrictions that prevent small businesses, workers, and consumers from fixing their own products.
USDA says no discussions about emergency crops in Conservation Reserve
The USDA is not considering suggestions that it open the land-idling Conservation Reserve for cropping this year to stabilize grain supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, said press secretary Kate Waters on Thursday.
Today’s Quick Hits
Energy, not grain: More than soaring grain prices, sharply higher energy costs triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine could affect every segment of food production and drive up grocery store prices, said analyst Vincent Smith. (American Enterprise Institute)
More HPAI in Indiana: The USDA confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Dubois County, the sixth case of the viral disease in Indiana this year. (Indiana Board of Animal Health)
Inadequate proposal: Canada “is trying to see just how little will be demanded of them” rather than offering substantive reforms of its dairy import quotas, said U.S. dairy groups after assessing a Canadian response to an adverse trade panel ruling. (U.S. Dairy Export Council)
Food bank fee: Food Club, in Holland, Michigan, is offering a different take on the food pantry, with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, business hours that take family workdays into account, and a monthly fee of $11 to $17. (Food Bank News)
Lower enrollment: With the March 15 deadline approaching, farmers have signed 1.2 million contracts for USDA crop subsidies, two-thirds of the expected total, said administrator Zach Ducheneaux of the Farm Service Agency. (Ag Insider)
